Mobile terminal

ABSTRACT

A mobile terminal includes a display unit configured to display an image and comprising an OLED pixel module emitting light and a light non-transmitting layer formed therebelow; a fingerprint recognition sensor configured to recognize a fingerprint by receiving, when the light emitted from the OLED pixel module is reflected by a finger, the reflected light; a sensor insertion space formed by perforating a part of the light non-transmitting layer, the fingerprint recognition sensor being inserted into the sensor insertion space; and a force sensor disposed at a side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor and configured to measure a magnitude of pressure applied to the force sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/949,646 filed on Apr. 10, 2018, which claims the prioritybenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application No.10-2017-0078024 filed in the Republic of Korea on Jun. 20, 2017, all ofwhich are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and moreparticularly, to a mobile terminal in which a fingerprint recognitionsensor and a force sensor are implemented as an under display type.

Discussion of the Related Art

Terminals may be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationaryterminals according to whether or not the terminals are movable.Further, mobile terminals may be divided into handheld terminals andvehicle mounted terminals according to whether or not users may directlycarry the mobile terminals.

Functions of mobile terminals are gradually diversified. For example,mobile terminals have a data and voice communication function, aphotographing and video function using a camera, a voice recordingfunction, a music file reproducing function through a speaker system anda function of outputting an image or video to a display unit. Somemobile terminals perform an electronic gaming function or a multimediafunction. Recently, mobile terminals may receive a multicast signalproviding visual content, such as a broadcast, a video or a televisionprogram.

As functions of terminals are diversified, the terminals are implementedas multimedia players having multiple functions, for example,photographing or video recording, reproduction of a music or video file,gaming, reception of a broadcast, etc.

In order to support and increase these functions of terminals,improvement of structural elements and/or software elements of terminalsmay be considered.

Recently, research on reduction of a bezel and enlargement of a displayunit on a front surface of a terminal has been vigorously conducted.This is to allow a user to more widely view an image through the displayunit without increase in the size of the terminal. In general, a homebutton as a mechanical button (mechanical key) or a touch-type button(touch key) is provided at a bezel of a terminal. Further, technology,in which a home button includes a fingerprint recognition sensor and auser's fingerprint is recognized through the home button, has beenproposed. However, the home button is provided at the bezel and thusreduction of the bezel through general methods is limited.

Therefore, recently, a home button is not separately provided at a bezelof a terminal but is formed at a designated position of a display unitas a touch key. Further, a force sensor and a haptic module are furtherprovided at the position of the home button and thus provide anoperating feeling similar to actual operation of a mechanical button.Further, technology in which such a force sensor is disposed under adisplay unit, i.e., is implemented as an under display type, isproposed. However, only the force sensor is actually implemented as anunder display type. Therefore, in order to recognize a fingerprint, afingerprint recognition sensor must be disposed at a different position,i.e., on the rear surface of the mobile terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a mobile terminal thatsubstantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations anddisadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal inwhich a force sensor and a fingerprint recognition sensor areimplemented as an under display type.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminalin which a force sensor and a fingerprint recognition sensor aredisposed at positions close to each other without increase in thethickness of the mobile terminal and thus fingerprint recognition andprovision of haptic feedback are simultaneously provided.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will beset forth in part in the description which follows and in part willbecome apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned from practice of theinvention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may berealized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in thewritten description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, amobile terminal includes a display unit configured to display an imageand including an OLED pixel module emitting light and a lightnon-transmitting layer formed therebelow, a fingerprint recognitionsensor configured to recognize a user fingerprint by receiving, when thelight emitted from the OLED pixel module is reflected by a user finger,the reflected light, a sensor insertion space formed by perforating apart of the light non-transmitting layer, the fingerprint recognitionsensor being inserted into the sensor insertion space, and a forcesensor disposed to surround a side surface of the fingerprintrecognition sensor and to provide haptic feedback when pressure isapplied to the force sensor.

The force sensor may have a polygonal ring shape and measure magnitudesof pressure applied to respective edges thereof.

If a difference between the magnitudes of the pressure applied to therespective edges of the force sensor exceeds a predetermined errorrange, the display unit may display an indicator representing correctionof an application direction of the pressure.

The light non-transmitting layer may include at least one of rubber,urethane, copper or graphite.

The force sensor may include a plurality of electrodes and a dielectricmaterial, and measure magnitudes of the applied pressure through changein capacitance.

The force sensor may include a first PET film provided with aforce-sensitive resistive (FSR) applied thereto and a second PET filmprovided with a silver ink pattern formed thereon, and measuremagnitudes of the applied pressure through change in resistance of thesilver ink pattern of the second PET film.

The force sensor may include a cushion member to absorb impact.

The cushion member may be disposed on one of upper and lower surfaces ofthe force sensor.

The force sensor may include a coil configured to surround the sidesurface of the fingerprint recognition sensor in a spiral shape and aconductor disposed below the coil, and measure magnitudes of the appliedpressure through an intensity of eddy current generated in the conductoraccording to change in a magnetic field formed around the coil.

The coil may be formed on the light non-transmitting layer bypatterning.

The conductor may be a part of a case disposed below the display unitand receiving the display unit, the fingerprint recognition sensor andthe force sensor.

The force sensor may include a film having a shape transformable by theapplied pressure and strain gauges attached to each of upper and lowersurfaces of the film, and measure magnitudes of the applied pressurethrough change in resistance of the strain gauges.

The fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed below the OLED pixelmodule.

In another aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal includes adisplay unit configured to display an image and including an OLED pixelmodule emitting light and a light non-transmitting layer formedtherebelow, a fingerprint recognition sensor configured to recognize auser fingerprint by receiving, when the light emitted from the OLEDpixel module is reflected by a user finger, the reflected light, asensor insertion space formed by perforating a part of the lightnon-transmitting layer, the fingerprint recognition sensor beinginserted into the sensor insertion space, and a force sensor formed on alower surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor and outputtinghaptic feedback when pressure is applied to the force sensor.

The force sensor may have a polygonal ring shape and measure magnitudesof pressure applied to respective edges thereof.

If a difference between the magnitudes of the pressure applied to therespective edges of the force sensor exceeds a predetermined errorrange, the display unit may display an indicator representing correctionof an application direction of the pressure.

The mobile terminal may further include a stiffening member configuredto surround a circumference of the force sensor.

The light non-transmitting layer may include at least one of rubber,urethane, copper or graphite.

The force sensor may include strain gauges attached to a lower surfaceof the fingerprint recognition sensor, and measure magnitudes of theapplied pressure through change in resistance of the strain gauges.

The fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed below the OLED pixelmodule.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present invention areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal in accordancewith the present invention;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are perspective views of a mobile terminal in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention, as seen from differentdirections;

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a transformable mobile terminal inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view exemplarily illustrating a watch-typemobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a home button formed at abezel of the lower end of the front surface of a general mobileterminal;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating a general OLEDdisplay unit;

FIG. 6 is a graph representing sensitivity of a capacitive fingerprintrecognition sensor, acquired by an experiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating a display unitprovided with a fingerprint recognition sensor;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a mobile terminal provided with a fingerprintrecognition sensor, from which a light transmitting layer of a displayunit is removed;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the fingerprint recognition sensor;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the fingerprint recognition sensor;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view illustrating the fingerprintrecognition sensor inserted into an insertion space;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating shapes of a fingerprint recognized by thefingerprint recognition sensor, when a user applies pressure of variousmagnitudes to a specific position of a display unit in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention with their finger;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating graphs representing signal intensities ofthe fingerprint, received by the fingerprint recognition sensor of FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating a force sensorstacked between other elements within the fingerprint recognitionsensor;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view illustrating the fingerprintrecognition sensor of FIG. 14 inserted into the insertion space;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating a display unitincluding a force sensor in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 is a front view illustrating a fingerprint recognition sensorand the force sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional structural view of the display unit, if theforce sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the present inventionis a capacitive type;

FIG. 19 is a conceptual view of the force sensor of FIG. 18, if theforce sensor provides a single channel function;

FIG. 20 is a conceptual view of the force sensor of FIG. 18, if theforce sensor provides a multi-channel function;

FIG. 21 is a conceptual view illustrating application of pressure to afirst channel of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating display of an indicator on the displayunit, as a result of application of pressure in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a conceptual view illustrating application of pressure to asecond channel of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating display of the indicator on the displayunit, as a result of application of pressure in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional structural view of the display unit, if theforce sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the present inventionis a resistive type;

FIG. 26 is a graph representing relations between magnitudes of pressureapplied to the force sensor of FIG. 25 and magnitudes of resistancethereby;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional structural view of the display unit inwhich a cushion member is disposed under the force sensor of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a structural view of the force sensor of FIG. 25, if theforce sensor provides a multi-channel function;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional structural view of the display unit, if theforce sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the present inventionis an inductive type;

FIG. 30 is a conceptual view illustrating a coil patterned on a thermalsheet of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a conceptual view illustrating operation of the force sensorof FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a conceptual view of the force sensor of FIG. 29, if theforce sensor provides a multi-channel function;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional structural view of a display unit includinga force sensor in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 34 is a front view of the force sensor of FIG. 33, if the forcesensor is a strain gauge type;

FIG. 35 is a conceptual view of the force sensor of FIG. 33, to whichpressure is not applied;

FIG. 36 is a conceptual view of the force sensor of FIG. 33, afterpressure is applied thereto;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating a display unitincluding a force sensor using strain gauges in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 38 includes front and rear views of the force sensor of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a front view of the force sensor providing a 4-channelfunction in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, ifthe force sensor is a strain gauge type;

FIG. 40 is a conceptual view of the force sensor of FIG. 39, to whichpressure is not applied;

FIG. 41 is a conceptual view of the force sensor of FIG. 39, afterpressure is applied thereto;

FIG. 42 is a circuit diagram in which 4 strain gauges included in onechannel of FIG. 39 are connected by a Wheatstone bridge;

FIG. 43 is a front view of the force sensor providing an 8-channelfunction in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, ifthe force sensor is a strain gauge type; and

FIG. 44 is a conceptual view of the force sensor of FIG. 43, to whichpressure is not applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to thedrawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with thesame reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. Ingeneral, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer toelements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intendedto facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself isnot intended to give any special meaning or function. In the presentdisclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in therelevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. Theaccompanying drawings are used to help easily understand varioustechnical features and it should be understood that the embodimentspresented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such,the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations,equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularlyset out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may beused herein to describe various elements, these elements should not belimited by these terms. These terms are generally only used todistinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected with” another element, the element can be connected with theother element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with”another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless itrepresents a definitely different meaning from the context. Terms suchas “include” or “has” are used herein and should be understood that theyare intended to indicate an existence of several components, functionsor steps, disclosed in the specification, and it is also understood thatgreater or fewer components, functions, or steps may likewise beutilized.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be madewith reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, suchteachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those typesnoted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied tostationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and thelike.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a block diagramof a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an outputunit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and apower supply unit 190. It is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewercomponents may alternatively be implemented.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the mobile terminal 100 is shown havingwireless communication unit 110 configured with several commonlyimplemented components.

The wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or moremodules which permit communications such as wireless communicationsbetween the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system,communications between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobileterminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100 and an externalserver. Further, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includesone or more modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or morenetworks. To facilitate such communications, the wireless communicationunit 110 includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, amobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, ashort-range communication module 114, and a location information module115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, in FIG. 1A, the sensing unit 140 is shown havinga proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142.

If desired, the sensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionallyinclude other types of sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, anacceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor,a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scansensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera121), a microphone 122, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (forexample, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detectionsensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and achemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor,a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal100 may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors ofthe sensing unit 140, and combinations thereof.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154.

The display unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or anintegrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touchscreen. The touch screen may provide an output interface between themobile terminal 100 and a user, as well as function as the user inputunit 123 which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobileterminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs. The controller 180 processes signals, data,information and the like inputted or outputted through theabove-mentioned components and/or runs application programs saved in thememory 170, thereby processing or providing a user with appropriateinformation and/or functions.

The controller 180 may provide or process information or functionsappropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and thelike, which are input or output by the various components depicted inFIG. 1A, or activating application programs stored in the memory 170. Asone example, the controller 180 controls some or all of the componentsillustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C according to the execution of an applicationprogram that have been stored in the memory 170.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

At least one portion of the respective components mentioned in theforegoing description can cooperatively operate to embody operations,controls or controlling methods of the mobile terminal according tovarious embodiments of the present invention mentioned in the followingdescription. Moreover, the operations, controls or controlling methodsof the mobile terminal can be embodied in the mobile terminal by runningat least one or more application programs saved in the memory 170.

Referring still to FIG. 1A, various components depicted in this figurewill now be described in more detail. Regarding the wirelesscommunication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 is typicallyconfigured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcastchannel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, aterrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcastreceiving modules 111 may be utilized to facilitate simultaneouslyreceiving of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switchingamong broadcast channels.

The broadcast managing entity may be implemented using a server orsystem which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcastassociated information, or a server which receives a pre-generatedbroadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, and sends suchitems to the mobile terminal. The broadcast signal may be implementedusing any of a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a databroadcast signal, and combinations thereof, among others. The broadcastsignal in some cases may further include a data broadcast signalcombined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encoded according to any of a variety oftechnical standards or broadcasting methods (for example, InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO), International ElectrotechnicalCommission (IEC), Digital Video Broadcast (DVB), Advanced TelevisionSystems Committee (ATSC), and the like) for transmission and receptionof digital broadcast signals. The broadcast receiving module 111 canreceive the digital broadcast signals using a method appropriate for thetransmission method utilized.

Examples of broadcast associated information may include informationassociated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcastevent, a broadcast service provider, or the like. The broadcastassociated information may also be provided via a mobile communicationnetwork, and in this case, received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information may be implemented in variousformats. For instance, broadcast associated information may include anElectronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB),an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld(DVB-H), and the like. Broadcast signals and/or broadcast associatedinformation received via the broadcast receiving module 111 may bestored in a suitable device, such as a memory 170.

The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of anetwork entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, aserver, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobilecommunication network, which is constructed according to technicalstandards or communication methods for mobile communications (forexample, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code DivisionMulti Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO(Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WidebandCDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (HighSpeed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long TermEvolution-Advanced), and the like). Examples of wireless signalstransmitted and/or received via the mobile communication module 112include audio call signals, video (telephony) call signals, or variousformats of data to support communication of text and multimediamessages.

The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wirelessInternet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled tothe mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmitand/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according towireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wirelessInternet module 113 may transmit/receive data according to one or moreof such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologiesas well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implementedaccording to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE,LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, thewireless Internet module 113 performs such wireless Internet access. Assuch, the Internet module 113 may cooperate with, or function as, themobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitateshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing suchshort-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity(Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like. The short-range communication module 114 in general supportswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal 100, or communications between the mobileterminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an externalserver) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of thewireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configuredsimilarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable device, for example,a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which isable to exchange data with the mobile terminal 100 (or otherwisecooperate with the mobile terminal 100). The short-range communicationmodule 114 may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permitcommunication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal 100.In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which isauthenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, thecontroller 180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed inthe mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-rangecommunication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may usethe data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device.For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, theuser may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a messageis received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the receivedmessage using the wearable device.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobileterminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes aGlobal Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. Ifdesired, the location information module 115 may alternatively oradditionally function with any of the other modules of the wirelesscommunication unit 110 to obtain data related to the position of themobile terminal.

As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, a positionof the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPSsatellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fimodule, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquired based oninformation related to a wireless access point (AP) which transmits orreceives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types of input tothe mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include audio, image,video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtainedusing one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may process image framesof still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or imagecapture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may bearranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of imageshaving various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be located in astereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images forimplementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio input to themobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed in various mannersaccording to a function being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Ifdesired, the microphone 122 may include assorted noise removingalgorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receivingthe external audio.

The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by a user.Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control operation ofthe mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or moreof a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on afront and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal 100,a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or atouch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitiveinput may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touchscreen through software processing, or a touch key which is located onthe mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen.On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed onthe touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon,video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or more ofinternal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environmentinformation of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. Thecontroller 180 generally cooperates with the sending unit 140 to controloperation of the mobile terminal 100 or execute data processing, afunction or an operation associated with an application programinstalled in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by thesensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented using any of avariety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near asurface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the likewithout a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be arrangedat an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen,or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a transmissivetype photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectricsensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequencyoscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, amagnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, andthe like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,the proximity sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative tothe touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which isresponsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case,the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximitysensor.

The term “proximity touch” will often be referred to herein to denotethe scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to thetouch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term “contacttouch” will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in whicha pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the positioncorresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to thetouch screen, such position will correspond to a position where thepointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example,distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and thelike).

In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding to proximitytouches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor 141,and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. In addition,the controller 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 to executedifferent operations or process different data according to whether atouch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either a proximitytouch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such asdisplay unit 151, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples ofsuch touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, aninfrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes ofpressure applied to a specific part of the display unit 151, or convertcapacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit 151, intoelectric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sensenot only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressureand/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply atouch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objectsinclude a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touchcontroller may be a component separate from the controller 180, thecontroller 180, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller 180 may execute the same ordifferent controls according to a type of touch object that touches thetouch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen.Whether to execute the same or different control according to the objectwhich provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operatingstate of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently executed applicationprogram, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implementedindividually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Suchtouches includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, adrag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipetouch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognizeposition information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves.The controller 180, for example, may calculate a position of a wavegeneration source based on information sensed by an illumination sensorand a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster thanultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the opticalsensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wavereaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generationsource may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position ofthe wave generation source may be calculated using the time differencefrom the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on thelight as a reference signal.

The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD,CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow detection of atouch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. Thephoto sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the displaydevice. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of thephysical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, thephoto sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows andcolumns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electricalsignal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely,the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical objectaccording to variation of light to thus obtain position information ofthe physical object.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented as astereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images. A typicalstereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic display scheme suchas a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme(glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or thelike.

In general, a 3D stereoscopic image may include a left image (e.g., aleft eye image) and a right image (e.g., a right eye image). Accordingto how left and right images are combined into a 3D stereoscopic image,a 3D stereoscopic imaging method can be divided into a top-down methodin which left and right images are located up and down in a frame, anL-to-R (left-to-right or side by side) method in which left and rightimages are located left and right in a frame, a checker board method inwhich fragments of left and right images are located in a tile form, aninterlaced method in which left and right images are alternately locatedby columns or rows, and a time sequential (or frame by frame) method inwhich left and right images are alternately displayed on a time basis.

Also, as for a 3D thumbnail image, a left image thumbnail and a rightimage thumbnail can be generated from a left image and a right image ofan original image frame, respectively, and then combined to generate asingle 3D thumbnail image. In general, the term “thumbnail” may be usedto refer to a reduced image or a reduced still image. A generated leftimage thumbnail and right image thumbnail may be displayed with ahorizontal distance difference there between by a depth corresponding tothe disparity between the left image and the right image on the screen,thereby providing a stereoscopic space sense.

A left image and a right image required for implementing a 3Dstereoscopic image may be displayed on the stereoscopic display unitusing a stereoscopic processing unit. The stereoscopic processing unitcan receive the 3D image and extract the left image and the right image,or can receive the 2D image and change it into a left image and a rightimage.

The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audiodata. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of differentsources, such that the audio data may be received from the wirelesscommunication unit 110 or may have been stored in the memory 170. Theaudio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, acall mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcastreception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can provideaudible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signalreception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by themobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may also be implementedas a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various tactileeffects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typicalexample of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 isvibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generatedby the haptic module 153 can be controlled by user selection or settingby the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may outputdifferent vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate various othertactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch to theskin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, an effect byreproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that canabsorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the user to feela tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as the user's fingersor arm, as well as transferring the tactile effect through directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to theparticular configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

An optical output module 154 can output a signal for indicating an eventgeneration using light of a light source. Examples of events generatedin the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signalreception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an emailreception, information reception through an application, and the like.

A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be implemented insuch a manner that the mobile terminal emits monochromatic light orlight with a plurality of colors. The signal output may be terminated asthe mobile terminal senses that a user has checked the generated event,for example.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit160 can receive data transmitted from an external device, receive powerto transfer to elements and components within the mobile terminal 100,or transmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to such externaldevice. The interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headsetports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationfor authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal 100 and mayinclude a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (also referred toherein as an “identifying device”) may take the form of a smart card.Accordingly, the identifying device can be connected with the terminal100 via the interface unit 160.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external cradle, theinterface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradleto be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or may serve as a passage toallow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to betransferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various commandsignals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals forrecognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of thecontroller 180 and store input/output data (for example, phonebook,messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170 may store datarelated to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output inresponse to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage mediumsincluding a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicondisk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DXmemory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random AccessMemory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory(PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and thelike. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in relation to anetwork storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170 over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller 180 may typically control the general operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may set or releasea lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control commandwith respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meetsa preset condition.

The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and processingassociated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and thelike, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, thecontroller 180 can control one or a combination of those components inorder to implement various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power or provides internalpower and supply the appropriate power required for operating respectiveelements and components included in the mobile terminal 100. The powersupply unit 190 may include a battery, which is typically rechargeableor be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The connectionport may be configured as one example of the interface unit 160 to whichan external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery iselectrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured torecharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connectionport. In this example, the power supply unit 190 can receive power,transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at leastone of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic inductionor a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the mobile terminal 100 is describedwith reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type,clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type,swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combinedwith each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinationsthereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type ofmobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, andthe like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type ofmobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminalsas well.

The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example,frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of theterminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case 101and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are incorporated intoa space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. Atleast one middle case may be additionally positioned between the frontcase 101 and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminalbody to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of thedisplay unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the frontsurface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to therear case 102. Examples of such electronic components include adetachable battery 191, an identification module, a memory card, and thelike. Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, andthis cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore,when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, theelectronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externallyexposed.

As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102,a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases,upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded bythe rear cover 103. In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may includean opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio outputmodule 152 b.

The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding syntheticresin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS),aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form aninner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100 may beconfigured such that one case forms the inner space. In this example, amobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner thatsynthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit(not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing memberwhich is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101,between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rearcase 102 and the rear cover 103, to hermetically seal an inner spacewhen those cases are coupled.

The mobile terminal 100 may be provided with the display unit 151, thefirst audio output unit 152 a, the second audio output unit 152 b, theproximity sensor 141, the illumination sensor 142, the optical outputunit 154, the first camera 121 a, the second camera 121 b, the firstmanipulating unit 123 a, the second manipulating unit 123 b, themicrophone 122, the interface unit 160, and the like.

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict certain components as arranged on the mobileterminal. However, it is to be understood that alternative arrangementsare possible and within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Somecomponents may be omitted or rearranged. For example, the firstmanipulation unit 123 a may be located on another surface of theterminal body, and the second audio output module 152 b may be locatedon the side surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobileterminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using one or moresuitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devicesinclude a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), aflexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, andcombinations thereof.

The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, whichcan implement the same or different display technology. For instance, aplurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, eitherspaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, orthese devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses atouch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to thedisplay unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touchand the controller 180, for example, may generate a control command orother signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input inthe touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu itemwhich can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rearsurface of the window 151 a, or a metal wire which is patterned directlyon the rear surface of the window 151 a. Alternatively, the touch sensormay be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensormay be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with thetouch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least someof the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.

The first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of aspeaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audioreproduction, and the like.

The window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include anaperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along anassembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap betweenthe window 151 a and the front case 101). In this case, a holeindependently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or isotherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying theappearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100.

The optical output module 154 can be configured to output light forindicating an event generation. Examples of such events include amessage reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, aschedule notice, an email reception, information reception through anapplication, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event,the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the lightoutput.

The first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or movingimages obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video callmode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b are examples ofthe user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a user to provideinput to the mobile terminal 100. The first and second manipulationunits 123 a and 123 b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulatingportion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user toperform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The firstand second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also employ anynon-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such asproximity touch, hovering, or the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key,but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touchkey, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit123 a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key,cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123 b maybe used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level beingoutput from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, toswitch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.

As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (notshown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rearinput unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobileterminal 100. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. Forexample, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an inputfor power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being outputfrom the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, switch toa touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rearinput unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, orcombinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 ofthe front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As oneexample, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion ofthe rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easilymanipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal bodywith one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned atmost any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or allof the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rearinput unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a largerscreen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may include a fingerscan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller 180 canthen use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor aspart of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also beinstalled in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit123.

The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal100, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphonesmay be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving ofstereo sounds.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal100 to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting toanother device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or thelike), a port for near field communication (for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, andthe like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobileterminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of asocket for accommodating an external card, such as SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memorycard for information storage.

The second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of theterminal body and includes an image capturing direction that issubstantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the firstcamera unit 121 a. If desired, second camera 121 a may alternatively belocated at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have adifferent image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged alongat least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in amatrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an “arraycamera.” When the second camera 121 b is implemented as an array camera,images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lensesand images with better qualities.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the second camera121 b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121 b, theflash 124 may illuminate the subject.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the second audio output module 152 b can be locatedon the terminal body. The second audio output module 152 b may implementstereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio outputmodule 152 a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone modefor call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on theterminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body orformed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part ofthe broadcast receiving module 111 may be retractable into the terminalbody. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using a film attached toan inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case that includes aconductive material.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the terminal body ordetachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body. The battery 191may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interfaceunit 160. Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in a wireless mannerusing a wireless charger. Wireless charging may be implemented bymagnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shieldingthe battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery 191, and toprotect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreignmaterial. When the battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, therear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 100. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen.

Meanwhile, according to the present invention, it is able to displayinformation processed by the mobile terminal using a flexible display.This is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawingsas follows.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of a deformable mobile terminal according toan alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this figure,mobile terminal 200 is shown having display unit 251, which is a type ofdisplay that is deformable by an external force. This deformation, whichincludes display unit 251 and other components of mobile terminal 200,may include any of curving, bending, folding, twisting, rolling, andcombinations thereof. The deformable display unit 251 may also bereferred to as a “flexible display unit.” In some implementations, theflexible display unit 251 may include a general flexible display,electronic paper (also known as e-paper), and combinations thereof. Ingeneral, mobile terminal 200 may be configured to include features thatare the same or similar to that of mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

The flexible display of mobile terminal 200 is generally formed as alightweight, non-fragile display, which still exhibits characteristicsof a conventional flat panel display, but is instead fabricated on aflexible substrate which can be deformed as noted previously.

The term e-paper may be used to refer to a display technology employingthe characteristic of a general ink, and is different from theconventional flat panel display in view of using reflected light.E-paper is generally understood as changing displayed information usinga twist ball or via electrophoresis using a capsule.

When in a state that the flexible display unit 251 is not deformed (forexample, in a state with an infinite radius of curvature and referred toas a first state), a display region of the flexible display unit 251includes a generally flat surface. When in a state that the flexibledisplay unit 251 is deformed from the first state by an external force(for example, a state with a finite radius of curvature and referred toas a second state), the display region may become a curved surface or abent surface. As illustrated, information displayed in the second statemay be visual information output on the curved surface. The visualinformation may be realized in such a manner that a light emission ofeach unit pixel (sub-pixel) arranged in a matrix configuration iscontrolled independently. The unit pixel denotes an elementary unit forrepresenting one color.

According to one alternative embodiment, the first state of the flexibledisplay unit 251 may be a curved state (for example, a state of beingcurved from up to down or from right to left), instead of being in flatstate. In this embodiment, when an external force is applied to theflexible display unit 251, the flexible display unit 251 may transitionto the second state such that the flexible display unit is deformed intothe flat state (or a less curved state) or into a more curved state.

If desired, the flexible display unit 251 may implement a flexible touchscreen using a touch sensor in combination with the display. When atouch is received at the flexible touch screen, the controller 180 canexecute certain control corresponding to the touch input. In general,the flexible touch screen is configured to sense touch and other inputwhile in both the first and second states.

One option is to configure the mobile terminal 200 to include adeformation sensor which senses the deforming of the flexible displayunit 251. The deformation sensor may be included in the sensing unit140.

The deformation sensor may be located in the flexible display unit 251or the case 201 to sense information related to the deforming of theflexible display unit 251. Examples of such information related to thedeforming of the flexible display unit 251 may be a deformed direction,a deformed degree, a deformed position, a deformed amount of time, anacceleration that the deformed flexible display unit 251 is restored,and the like. Other possibilities include most any type of informationwhich can be sensed in response to the curving of the flexible displayunit or sensed while the flexible display unit 251 is transitioninginto, or existing in, the first and second states.

In some embodiments, controller 180 or other component can changeinformation displayed on the flexible display unit 251, or generate acontrol signal for controlling a function of the mobile terminal 200,based on the information related to the deforming of the flexibledisplay unit 251. Such information is typically sensed by thedeformation sensor.

The mobile terminal 200 is shown having a case 201 for accommodating theflexible display unit 251. The case 201 can be deformable together withthe flexible display unit 251, taking into account the characteristicsof the flexible display unit 251.

A battery (not shown in this figure) located in the mobile terminal 200may also be deformable in cooperation with the flexible display unit261, taking into account the characteristic of the flexible display unit251. One technique to implement such a battery is to use a stack andfolding method of stacking battery cells.

The deformation of the flexible display unit 251 not limited to performby an external force. For example, the flexible display unit 251 can bedeformed into the second state from the first state by a user command,application command, or the like.

In accordance with still further embodiments, a mobile terminal may beconfigured as a device which is wearable on a human body. Such devicesgo beyond the usual technique of a user grasping the mobile terminalusing their hand. Examples of the wearable device include a smart watch,a smart glass, a head mounted display (HMD), and the like.

A typical wearable device can exchange data with (or cooperate with)another mobile terminal 100. In such a device, the wearable devicegenerally has functionality that is less than the cooperating mobileterminal. For instance, the short-range communication module 114 of amobile terminal 100 may sense or recognize a wearable device that isnear-enough to communicate with the mobile terminal. In addition, whenthe sensed wearable device is a device which is authenticated tocommunicate with the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 maytransmit data processed in the mobile terminal 100 to the wearabledevice via the short-range communication module 114, for example. Hence,a user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the mobileterminal 100 on the wearable device. For example, when a call isreceived in the mobile terminal 100, the user can answer the call usingthe wearable device. Also, when a message is received in the mobileterminal 100, the user can check the received message using the wearabledevice.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one example of a watch-typemobile terminal 300 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the watch-type mobile terminal 300 includes amain body 301 with a display unit 351 and a band 302 connected to themain body 301 to be wearable on a wrist. In general, mobile terminal 300may be configured to include features that are the same or similar tothat of mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

The main body 301 may include a case having a certain appearance. Asillustrated, the case may include a first case 301 a and a second case301 b cooperatively defining an inner space for accommodating variouselectronic components. Other configurations are possible. For instance,a single case may alternatively be implemented, with such a case beingconfigured to define the inner space, thereby implementing a mobileterminal 300 with a uni-body.

The watch-type mobile terminal 300 can perform wireless communication,and an antenna for the wireless communication can be installed in themain body 301. The antenna may extend its function using the case. Forexample, a case including a conductive material may be electricallyconnected to the antenna to extend a ground area or a radiation area.

The display unit 351 is shown located at the front side of the main body301 so that displayed information is viewable to a user. In someembodiments, the display unit 351 includes a touch sensor so that thedisplay unit can function as a touch screen. As illustrated, window 351a is positioned on the first case 301 a to form a front surface of theterminal body together with the first case 301 a.

The illustrated embodiment includes audio output module 352, a camera321, a microphone 322, and a user input unit 323 positioned on the mainbody 301. When the display unit 351 is implemented as a touch screen,additional function keys may be minimized or eliminated. For example,when the touch screen is implemented, the user input unit 323 may beomitted.

The band 302 is commonly worn on the user's wrist and may be made of aflexible material for facilitating wearing of the device. As oneexample, the band 302 may be made of fur, rubber, silicon, syntheticresin, or the like. The band 302 may also be configured to be detachablefrom the main body 301. Accordingly, the band 302 may be replaceablewith various types of bands according to a user's preference.

In one configuration, the band 302 may be used for extending theperformance of the antenna. For example, the band may include therein aground extending portion (not shown) electrically connected to theantenna to extend a ground area.

The band 302 may include fastener 302 a. The fastener 302 a may beimplemented into a buckle type, a snap-fit hook structure, a Velcro®type, or the like, and include a flexible section or material. Thedrawing illustrates an example that the fastener 302 a is implementedusing a buckle.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a home button 10 formed at abezel of the lower end of the front surface of a general mobile terminal1.

Recently, as mobile terminals have been developed, a general mobileterminal has a bar-type terminal body. In the conventional bar-typemobile terminal 1, one home button 10 is formed at a bezel of the lowerend of the front surface of the mobile terminal 1. Further, the homebutton 10 is conventionally formed as a mechanical key. The reason forthis is that touch input to a display unit 151 by a user does notprovide an operating feeling to the user and, thus, at least the homebutton 10 provides an operating feeling to the user.

Technology in which the home button 10 includes a fingerprintrecognition sensor 14 and a user fingerprint is recognized through thehome button 10 has been proposed. Therefore, a user easily inputs afingerprint through the home button 10 while using the mobile terminal10. Here, various fingerprint recognition types, such as capacitive,ultrasonic and optical types, may be used in the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144. A user's finger may directly contact the home button 10formed as a mechanical key and, thus, a capacitive fingerprintrecognition sensor having a high recognition rate despite a shortrecognition distance is mainly used.

However, technologies in which the home button 10 is not implemented asa mechanical key but is implemented as a touch key have been proposednow. For example, the home button 10 is formed under a cover glasscovering the front surface of the mobile terminal 1 and a part of thecover glass is removed by etching (a glass etching type). Further, theultrasonic-type fingerprint recognition sensor 144 of the home button 10is used to recognize a user fingerprint. The reason for this is that afingerprint recognition distance of the fingerprint recognition sensor144 is slightly increased due to use of the cover glass.

However, research to reduce a bezel on the front surface of the mobileterminal 1 and to enlarge an area of the display unit 151 is vigorouslyconducted now. This is to allow a user to see a broad image through thedisplay unit 151 without increase in the size of the mobile terminal 1.However, the home button 10 of the above-described method is onlycovered by the cover glass and, thus, a bezel area may not be reduced.

In order to solve such a problem, a home button 10 is not separatelyprovided at the bezel and is provided as a touch key at a specificposition of the display unit 151. Since the conventional home button 10formed as a mechanical key provides an operating feeling to a user, thehome button 10 further includes a force sensor 145 and an haptic module153 and thus provides a similar operating feeling to a user so that theuser using such a home button 10 does not feel a sense of difference.Further, technology in which the force sensor 145 is disposed under thedisplay unit 151, i.e., is implemented as an under display type, isproposed. However, only the force sensor 145 is actually implemented asan under display type and the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 is notimplanted as the under display type. That is, when a user applies touchinput of a designated pressure or above to the display unit 151 with afinger 2, the mobile terminal 1 senses the user touch input and provideshaptic feedback to the user by outputting vibration. Therefore, thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 is not implemented as the underdisplay type and is thus disposed at a different position, such as onthe rear surface of the mobile terminal 1, so as to recognize a userfingerprint.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating a general OLEDdisplay unit 151.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 5, the OLED display unit 151 generallyincludes a cover glass 1511, a decorative film 1512, an optical clearadhesive (OCA) film 1513, a polarizer 1514, a touch film 1515, an OLEDpixel module 1516, a back plate 1517, a foam pad 1518 and a thermalsheet 1519.

The cover glass 1511 is located at the uppermost portion of the displayunit 151 and protects other elements in the display unit 151. The mobileterminal 100 is frequently carried and moved by a user and, thus, thereis a high possibility that the mobile terminal 100 will be damaged byexternal impact or be scratched by a sharp object. The cover glass 1511needs to have high resistance to impact and scratch and thus temperedglass or sapphire glass is used as the cover glass 1511. However, thedisclosure is not limited thereto, and various materials of glass whichmay protect the elements in the display unit 151 may be used as thecover glass 1511.

The decorative film 1512 shields parts within the mobile terminal 100without exposure to the outside, and coats the bezel with a designatedcolor and thus provides an aesthetic sense to a user.

The OCA film 1513 is provided between the touch film 1515 and the coverglass 1511 and adheres the touch film 1515 and the cover glass 1511 toeach other. In general, the OCA film 1513 is formed of a material havingexcellent adhesion, transparency and mechanical characteristics, forexample, an acrylic material. Further, the OCA film 1513 may have awaterproof function of preventing external moisture from beingintroduced into the mobile terminal 100.

The polarizer 1541 is formed by stretching poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA)coated with iodine or colored with a dichroic dye. An absorption axis ofthe polarizer 1541 is formed in a stretching direction and, thus, thepolarizer 1541 absorbs light vibrating in a direction parallel to theabsorption axis and transmits only light vibrating in a directionperpendicular to the absorption axis.

The touch film 1515 is a film in which the touch sensor 143 sensingtouch input applied by a user is formed. A conductive pattern formed ofa conductive material may be formed on the touch film 1515. The touchfilm 1515 may include an Rx electrode which receives a signal of usertouch input and a Tx electrode which converts the signal of the touchinput into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal tothe controller 180. The touch film 1515 may be formed of a lighttransmitting material, for example, polycarbonate (PC) or polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

The OLED pixel module 1516 is a pixel module including R, G and Bsub-pixels having a self light-emitting function. The respectivesub-pixels use an organic phosphor compound, and electrons andpositively charged particles injected from a cathode and an anode arecombined and may thus autonomously emit light. Therefore, separateliquid crystal molecules or back light is not necessary.

The back plate 1517 is a film formed of an acrylic adhesive layer andserves as a reinforcing plate on the rear surface of the OLED pixelmodule 1516.

The foam pad 1518 absorbs external impact applied to the display unit151 and thus reduces impact which will be applied to other elements ofthe display unit 151. For this purpose, the foam pad 1518 may begenerally formed of an elastic material, such as rubber or urethane.

The thermal sheet 1519 dissipates heat from elements which generate alarge quantity of heat, such as the OLED display unit 151 or a mainboard, to the outside. For this purpose, the thermal sheet 1519 isgenerally manufactured using a material having a relatively high thermalconductivity, for example, a metal such as copper or a carbon materialsuch as graphite.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited by theabove-described elements of the display unit 151 and, thus, someelements may be omitted or substituted with other elements, the sequenceof these elements may be changed or new elements may be added.

As described above, if the home button 10 is formed as touch key at aspecific position on the display unit 151, the fingerprint recognitionsensor 141 cannot be conventionally implemented as an under displaytype. However, in order to implement the fingerprint recognition sensor141 as an under display type, it is important to increase a recognitiondistance of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144. In order to allow auser to monitor an image displayed through the display unit 151 withoutdisturbance, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 must be locatedunder the display unit 151. However, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 5, theexisting OLED display unit 151 has a considerably great thickness ofabout 1.3 mm and thus a recognition rate of the conventional capacitivefingerprint recognition sensor 144 is not high.

FIG. 6 is a graph representing sensitivity of the capacitive fingerprintrecognition sensor 144, acquired by an experiment.

In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents a distance from the capacitivefingerprint recognition sensor 144 to a finger 2, and the vertical axisrepresents a difference of signals between ridges 21 and a valleys 22 ofa fingerprint formed on the finger 2.

Experimentally, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 6, as a distance isincreased by 0.1 mm, signal attenuation occurs by about nine fold.Further, the maximum recognition distance of the capacitive fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 is only 0.3 mm. Although not shown in thisfigure, if the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 is an ultrasonic type,the ultrasonic fingerprint recognition sensor 144 has a maximumrecognition distance of 1 mm, which is slightly greater than that of thecapacitive fingerprint recognition sensor 144. However, if thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 is an optical type, the opticalfingerprint recognition sensor 144 may recognize a fingerprint up to adistance of about 1.6 mm. Although the fingerprint recognition sensor144 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may beone of various types, such as a capacitive type, an ultrasonic type,etc., the thickness of the existing OLED display unit 151 is about 1.3mm and, thus, an optical fingerprint recognition sensor having thegreatest maximum recognition distance may be used.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating the displayunit 151 provided with the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 installedtherein.

In order to use the optical fingerprint recognition sensor 144, lightemitted to the outside is reflected by the finger 2, and the reflectedlight is transmitted by the display unit 151 and then incident upon thefingerprint recognition sensor 144. The display unit 151 may be varioustypes, such as LCD, TFT LED and OLED types, as described above, but, inorder to allow the display unit 151 to transmit light, emitted to theoutside and reflected by the finger 2, the OLED display unit 151 must beused. Particularly, the display unit 151 may be transparent to beobserved from the outside. Such a display unit 151 may be referred to asa transparent display unit, and there is a transparent OLED display as arepresentative example of the transparent display unit. On the otherhand, an LCD or TFT LCD display unit does not have a self light-emittingfunction, and includes liquid crystals provided therein and thus doesnot transmit reflected light. That is, the display unit 151 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention may be an OLEDtype which may have a self light-emitting function and transmit light,emitted to the outside and reflected by the finger 2.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 7, in order to install the opticalfingerprint recognition sensor 144 under the OLED display unit 151, apart of a light non-transmitting layer of the display unit 151 isremoved. As described above, in order to allow reflected light to beincident upon the fingerprint recognition sensor 144, the display unit151 must transmit the reflected light. Here, the cover glass 1511, thedecorative film 1512, the OCA film 1513, the polarizer 1514, the touchfilm 1515, the OLED pixel module 1516 and the back plate 1517 are formedof light transmitting materials and may thus transmit the reflectedlight. However, the foam pad 1518 and the thermal sheet 1519 are formedof materials which do not transmit light due to intrinsiccharacteristics thereof and thus form the light non-transmitting layer.As described above, the foam pad 1518 is generally formed of an elasticmaterial, such as rubber or urethane, and the thermal sheet 1519 isgenerally formed of a material having a relatively high thermalconductivity, for example, a metal such as copper or a carbon materialsuch as graphite. These materials are materials which do not transmitlight. A portion of the light non-transmitting layer 1518 and 1519corresponding to an installation position of the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 is perforated. Then, an insertion space into which thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 is inserted is formed at theperforated portion. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 7, the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may be installed in the display unit 151 byinserting the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 into the insertionspace such that a light receiver 1441 of the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 faces upward.

Here, only if the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 is inserted intothe insertion space such that the light receiver 1441 contacts the lighttransmitting layer 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, 1515, 1516 and 1517, afingerprint recognition rate may be increased. However, since the OLEDpixel module 1516 directly emitting light may not be perforated, thelight receiver 1441 is located below the OLED pixel module 1516 as longas the light receiver 1441 is located at the closest position to theuser finger 2. Therefore, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention, the OLED pixel module 1516 emitting light and the lightreceiver 1441 receiving light are installed in different layers.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the mobile terminal 100 provided with thefingerprint recognition sensor 144, from which the light transmittinglayer 1511, 1512, 1513, 1515, 1516 and 1517 of the display unit 151 isremoved.

The fingerprint recognition sensor 144 installed through theabove-described method may be installed at a height corresponding toabout ¼ of the overall height of the display unit 151 from the lower endof the display unit 151, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 8. Since otherelements, such as a driver circuit board controlling the display unit151, etc., may be disposed around the lowermost region of the mobileterminal 100, it is difficult to install the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 at the lowermost region of the mobile terminal 100. Further,if the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 is disposed at the upperregion of the mobile terminal 100 above the center of the mobileterminal 100, when a user touches the mobile terminal 100 forfingerprint recognition by a finger 2, a user's hand or arm may shieldthe display unit 151 and may thus obstruct a user's view.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144, andFIG. 10 is a rear view of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 7, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144includes the light receiver 1441, a flexible printed circuit board(FPCB) 1442 and a stiffener 1443.

The light receiver 1441 is mounted on the upper surface of the FPCB1442, and the stiffener 1443 is attached to the lower surface of theFPCB 1442. Thereby, the stiffener 1443, the FPCB 1442 and the lightreceiver 1441 may be stacked in order.

The light receiver 1441 receives reflected light transmitted by thedisplay unit 151 and thus recognizes a fingerprint of the user finger 2.As described above, since, if the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 isimplemented as an under display type, a distance from the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 to the user finger 2 is long, the opticalfingerprint recognition sensor 144 having the greatest recognitiondistance is used.

The stiffener 1443 serves as a stiffening member to improve strength ofthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144.

The upper and lower surfaces of the light receiver 1441, the FPCB 1442and the stiffener 1443 have similar shapes and areas. Therefore, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 9, the light receiver 1441 alone may be seenfrom one surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 and, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 10, the stiffener 1443 alone may be seen fromthe other surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view illustrating the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 inserted into the insertion space.

When the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 is inserted into theinsertion space, the light receiver 1441 contacts the light-emittinglayer 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, 1515, 1516 and 1517, as described above.As exemplarily shown in FIG. 11, the rear surface of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 is exposed to the outside. Here, the stiffener1443 is attached to the rear surface of the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144. The stiffener 1443 is formed of a material having highresistance to impact and scratch and thus protects the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Further, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 11, whenthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144 is inserted into the insertionspace, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 does not protrude from arear case 102, thus not forming any stepped portion. However, if theforce sensor 145 and the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 are stacked,the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 protrudes from the rear case 102by a thickness of the force sensor 145 and thus forms a stepped portion.This will be described in detail later.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating shapes of a fingerprint recognized by thefingerprint recognition sensor 144, when a user applies pressure ofvarious magnitudes to a specific position of the display unit 151 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention with a finger 2,and FIG. 13 is a view illustrating graphs representing signalintensities of the fingerprint, received by the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 of FIG. 12.

The optical fingerprint recognition sensor 144 may not read informationregarding the dermis of the user finger 2 and may read only informationregarding the epidermis of the user finger 2, differently from acapacitive fingerprint recognition sensor. Therefore, in order to allowthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144 to recognize a fingerprint,strong pressure of a designated magnitude must be applied. Asexemplarily shown in FIG. 12, if the user presses a specific position ofthe display unit 151 where the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 islocated, by force of 3N with the finger 2, the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 unclearly recognizes a fingerprint and thus has difficulty inidentifying the fingerprint. However, if the user presses the specificposition of the display unit 151 where the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 is located, by force of 5N with the finger 2, the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 pretty clearly recognizes the fingerprint and maythus easily identify the fingerprint. Further, if the user presses thespecific position of the display unit 151 where the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 is located, by force of 7N with the finger 2, thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 very clearly recognizes thefingerprint. Further, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 13, in case of forceof 3N, a signal of the fingerprint recognized by the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 is weak. However, in case of force of more than5N, a signal of the fingerprint recognized by the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 is very strong.

In order to increase a fingerprint recognition rate of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144, the user must press the specific position atstrong pressure of a designated magnitude with the finger 2. In order toinduce the user to press the specific position at strong pressure of adesignated magnitude with the finger 2, the force sensor 145 and thehaptic module 153 are necessary. For example, if a threshold sis et to5N, when the user presses the specific position at pressure of 5N ormore with the finger 2, the force sensor 145 recognizes that force ofthe threshold or more is applied and thus generates a signal. Then, whenthe force sensor 145 transmits the signal to the haptic module 153, thehaptic module 153 directly generates a haptic effect, such as vibration.Thereby, the user may recognize that the user sufficiently stronglypresses the specific position at pressure of the threshold or more.

In the above experiment, pressure is not applied but force is applied,and pressure and force are different physical quantities. However,pressure may be deduced through simple calculation, i.e., by dividingforce by the area of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144. Although,in the above experiment, force is applied to the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144, the area of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 is notchanged and thus it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatpressure may be easily deduced from force.

If the home button 10 is formed as a touch key, the home button 10 doesnot provide an operating feeling which is provided by the conventionalmechanical key. Therefore, the user cannot know whether or notfingerprint recognition is normally executed while continuouslycontacting the specific position with the finger 2. Accordingly, inorder to provide an operating feeling to the user and to inform the userof whether or not execution of the fingerprint recognition is completed,the force sensor 145 and the haptic module 153 are necessary.

When the user presses the specific position with the finger 2, the forcesensor 145 recognizes that the pressure is applied and generates asignal. Such a signal may be transmitted not only to the haptic module153 but also to the display unit 151 and the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144. When the display unit 151 receives the signal, the OLEDpixel module 1516 of the display unit 151 emits light to a regioncorresponding to the specific position pressed by the user. Then, lightreflected by the user finger 2 is incident upon the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. When the fingerprint recognition sensor 144receives the signal, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 recognizesthat light will be incident upon the fingerprint recognition sensor 144,and enters a wake-up mode in advance. Thereafter, when reflected lightis incident upon the fingerprint recognition sensor 144, the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 recognizes a fingerprint of the finger 2 throughthe reflected light.

When the haptic module 153 receives the signal from the force sensor145, the haptic module 153 may directly generate a haptic effect, asdescribed above. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and thehaptic module 153 may receive a signal, separately generated from thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 when the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 receives the fingerprint, and generate the haptic effect. Ifthe haptic module 153 receives a signal generating the haptic effectfrom the force sensor 145, the haptic module 153 may inform the userthat pressure of the threshold or more has been received and, if thehaptic module 153 receives the signal from the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144, the haptic module 153 may inform the user that execution ofthe fingerprint recognition has been normally completed. That is, thehaptic module 153 may provide a haptic feedback function which generatesa haptic effect when the haptic module 153 receives input, as long asthe haptic module 153 may inform the user of various pieces ofinformation.

Current consumption of the optical fingerprint recognition sensor 144 isabout 18 mA and, thus, the optical fingerprint recognition sensorconsumes a large quantity of current. Since the respective OLEDsub-pixels of the OLED display unit 151 autonomously emit light, theOLED display unit 151 also consumes a large quantity of current.Further, the home button 10 is operated as a touch key and, thus, evenif the user simply grasps the mobile terminal 100 by hand regardless ofuser intention, when the user finger 2 accidently contacts the displayunit 151, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 may enter the wake-upmode. If the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 enters the wake-up modeby simple contact of the finger 2 with the display unit 151, currentconsumption increases and, thus, the battery 191 (shown in FIG. 1C) maybe early discharged. In order to solve such a problem, the force sensor145 and the haptic module 135 are necessary. That is, if the userapplies pressure of the threshold or more, the force sensor 145 maysense the pressure and transmit a signal to the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 and the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 may enter thewake-up mode. Therefore, current consumption may be reduced and earlydischarge of the battery 191 may be prevented.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating the forcesensor 145 stacked between other elements within the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144, and FIG. 15 is a rear perspective viewillustrating the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 of FIG. 14 insertedinto the insertion space.

As described above, in order to implement the fingerprint recognitionsensor 141 as an under display type for various reasons, the forcesensor 145 and the haptic module 153 are necessary for various reasons.Here, when a user applies touch input to a specific position,recognition of a user fingerprint and sensing of pressure may besimultaneously performed. For this purpose, the force sensor 145 may bedisposed at a position on the display unit 151, equal or similar to theposition of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144. As exemplarily shownin FIG. 14, if the force sensor 145 is stacked between the elements ofthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144, the positions of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 and the force sensor 145 on the display unit 151exactly coincide with each other. However, as exemplarily shown in FIGS.14 and 15, the thickness of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 isincreased by the thickness t of the force sensor 145 and thus thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 protrudes from the rear case 102.

If the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 protrudes from the rear case102 and thus the stepped portion is formed, the overall thickness of themobile terminal 100 is increased. Therefore, the mobile terminal 100 maynot provide an aesthetic design to the user. Further, when the usergrasps or carries the mobile terminal 100 by hand, usability of themobile terminal 100 may be lowered. In order to maintain the overallthickness of the mobile terminal 100 even if the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 protrudes from the rear case 102, a method of reducing thethickness of the battery 191 (in FIG. 1C) is proposed but, in this case,the capacity of the battery 191 may be also lowered.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating a display unit151 including a force sensor 145 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention, and FIG. 17 is a front view illustrating afingerprint recognition sensor 144 and the force sensor 145 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, asexemplarily shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the force sensor 145 is disposedso as to surround the side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor144. As exemplarily shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a designated interval isformed between the display unit 151 and the rear case 102. Such aninterval is an offset intentionally included in a design stage. When themobile terminal 100 is manufactured, design sizes may differ from actualsizes due to process errors, assembly tolerances, etc. In this case,assembly of parts may be impossible or, even if the parts are assembled,the parts may be deformed by stress or fatigue of the parts may occur.Therefore, an offset of a certain degree is generally prepared indesign. The length of such an offset is about 0.35 mm.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 16, the force sensor 145 is inserted into theinterval provided as the offset. Such an offset is removed by insertingthe force sensor 145 into the interval, but the force sensor 145 doesnot have a large area and does not disturb assembly of parts.

A hole having a size or a shape corresponding to those of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 is formed through the center of theforce sensor 145. Therefore, the force sensor 145 has a ring shapeprovided with a hole formed at the center thereof and thus the forcesensor 145 having a designated width surrounds the side surface of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144. The width of the force sensor 145may be uniform or be varied at the respective edges of the force sensor145. For example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 17, the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may have a rectangular shape. In this case, arectangular hole having a size and a shape corresponding to those of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 is formed at the center of the forcesensor 145. Therefore, the force sensor 145 may have a rectangular ringshape. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 may have various shapes, such as acircular shape, a hexagonal shape, etc., and the force sensor 145 mayhave various shapes corresponding thereto.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional structural view of the display unit 151, ifthe force sensor 1451 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention is a capacitive type.

In general, the force sensor 1451 is a sensor to measure a magnitude ofapplied force. If such a force sensor 1451 is applied to the mobileterminal 100, force touch may be implemented. Force touch is atechnology, in which not only 2D touch but also a level of force appliedby touch may be sensed, and is referred to as 3D touch. The force sensor1451 may be one of a capacitive type, a resistive type, an inductivetype, a strain gauge type, etc., according to pressure sensing methods.

If the force sensor 1451 in accordance with tone embodiment of thepresent invention is a capacitive type, the force sensor 1451 includestwo electrodes parallel to each other and a dielectric materialinterposed between the two electrodes, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 18.When current flows to the two electrodes, electric charges areaccumulated, and a capacity for accumulating electric charges may bereferred to as capacitance. Capacitance is directly proportional toareas of the two electrodes and a dielectric constant of the dielectricmaterial and is inversely proportional to a distance between the twoelectrodes.

When pressure is applied to the force sensor 1451, a distance betweenthe two electrodes is changed and thus capacitance is changed.Therefore, a magnitude of the pressure applied to the force sensor 1451may be measured by calculating a change in capacitance.

The capacitive-type force sensor 1451 may further include adhesive tapeson the outer surfaces of the two electrodes. The adhesive tapes may beadhered to the thermal sheet 1519 and the rear case 102 after the forcesensor 1451 is inserted into the interval.

The thickness of one electrode is about 0.05 mm, the thickness of oneadhesive tape is about 0.05 mm, and the thickness of the dielectricmaterial is about 0.15 mm. Since the two electrodes and the two adhesivetapes are provided, the overall thickness of the capacitive-type forcesensor 1451 is about 0.35 mm. Such an overall thickness is similar tothe length of above-described offset. Therefore, the capacitive-typeforce sensor 1451 may be inserted into the interval provided as theoffset.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual view of the force sensor 1451 of FIG. 18, if theforce sensor 1451 provides a single channel function.

As described above, the force sensor 1451 has a ring shape provided witha hole formed through the center thereof and having a size or a shapecorresponding to those of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144.Therefore, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 is inserted into thecentral hole of the force sensor 1451 and the force sensor 1451surrounds the side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144.Here, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 19, the capacitive-type force sensor1451 provides a single channel function and may thus continuouslysurround the side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 withone channel. However, in this case, the force sensor 1451 senses only amagnitude of pressure and, thus, even if a user applies pressure to aposition deviating from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144, the force sensor 1451 may not sense a deviatingdirection.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual view of the force sensor 1451 of FIG. 18, if theforce sensor 1451 provides a multi-channel function.

The capacitive-type force sensor 1451 may be a multi-channel functionalforce sensor 1451 which surrounds edges of the side surface of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 with a plurality of channels. Forexample, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 20, if the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 has a rectangular shape, the force sensor 1451 may include afirst channel 1451 a extending in a direction of the left edge of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144, a second channel 1451 b extending ina direction of the lower edge of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144,a third channel 1451 c extending in a direction of the right edge of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 and a fourth channel 1451 d extendingin a direction of the upper edge of the fingerprint recognition sensor144. Therefore, the force sensor 1451 may surround the side surface ofthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144. The channels 1451 a, 1451 b,1451 c and 1451 d may contact the neighboring channels, or may be spacedapart from the neighboring channels 1451 a, 1451 b, 1451 c and 1451 d,as exemplarily shown in FIG. 20. That is, when the force sensor 1451surrounds the side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144,the channels 1451 a, 1451 b, 1451 c and 1451 d of the force sensor 1451may not form a continuously closed line.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual view illustrating application of pressure to thefirst channel 1451 a of FIG. 20, and FIG. 22 is a view illustratingdisplay of an indicator 130 on the display unit 141, as a result ofapplication of pressure in FIG. 21.

The capacitive-type force sensor 1451 providing such a multi-channelfunction may measure not only a magnitude of applied pressure but also adirection of the applied pressure. Therefore, even if a user appliespressure to a position deviating from the regular position of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144, the force sensor 1451 may sense adeviating direction. For example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 21, theuser may press a position deviating leftward from the regular positionof the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 with the finger 2. In thiscase, a magnitude of pressure applied to the first channel 1451 a isgreater than a magnitude of pressure applied to the second, third andfourth channels 1451 b, 1451 c and 1451 d. Further, the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize a fingerprint.

If the force sensor 1451 senses that the magnitude of pressure appliedto the first channel 1451 a is greater than the magnitude of pressureapplied to the second, third and fourth channels 1451 b, 1451 c and 1451d and exceeds a predetermined error range and the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize the fingerprint, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may determine that the userfinger 2 deviates leftward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Here, the predetermined error range is acriterion for determining deviation of the user finger 2 from theregular position of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 and may beexperimentally determined in consideration of various conditions, suchas sensitivity of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144, etc.Hereinafter, other embodiments are the same as above. The controller180, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 22, may display the indicator 130instructing the user to place the finger 2 to the right through thedisplay unit 151.

FIG. 23 is a conceptual view illustrating application of pressure to thesecond channel 1451 b of FIG. 20, and FIG. 24 is a view illustratingdisplay of the indicator 130 on the display unit 151, as a result ofapplication of pressure in FIG. 23.

For example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 23, the user may press aposition deviating downward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 with the finger 2. In this case, a magnitude ofpressure applied to the second channel 1451 b is greater than amagnitude of pressure applied to the first, third and fourth channels1451 a, 1451 c and 1451 d. Further, the fingerprint recognition sensor144 may not smoothly recognize a fingerprint.

If the force sensor 1451 senses that the magnitude of pressure appliedto the second channel 1451 b is greater than the magnitude of pressureapplied to the first, third and fourth channels 1451 a, 1451 c and 1451d and exceeds the predetermined error range and the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize the fingerprint, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may determine that the userfinger 2 deviates downward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Further, the controller 180, as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 24, may display the indicator 130 instructing the user toplace the finger 2 to the upper side through the display unit 151.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional structural view of the display unit 151, ifthe force sensor 1452 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention is a resistive type, and FIG. 26 is a graph representingrelations between magnitudes of pressure applied to the force sensor1452 of FIG. 25 and magnitudes of resistance thereby.

If the force sensor 1452 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention is a resistive type, the force sensor 1452 includestwo PET films 1461 and 1463 and an adhesive part 1462, as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 25. A force-sensitive resistive (FSR) ink is applied tothe first PET film 1461, and a silver ink pattern is printed on thesecond PET film 1463. Further, the adhesive part 1462 is disposedbetween the first and second PET films 1461 and 1463 and thus adheresthe first and second PET films 1461 and 1463 to each other whilemaintaining a designated interval therebetween.

A resistance value is varied according to a magnitude of pressureapplied to the resistive-type force sensor 1452. In more detail, thesilver ink pattern serves as a variable resistor and, when pressure isapplied to the resistive-type force sensor 1452, a cross-sectional areaof the silver ink pattern, in which current flows, is changed by the FSRink. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 26, a magnitude of pressure isinversely proportional to a resistance value and, thus, as pressure isincreased, resistance is decreased. When a designated voltage is appliedto the force sensor 1452, resistance and current are inverselyproportional to each other and, thus, a magnitude of pressure isapproximately directly proportional to current. Therefore, a magnitudeof pressure applied to the force sensor 1452 may be measured from acurrent value output from the force sensor 1452.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional structural view of the display unit 151 inwhich a cushion member 147 is disposed under the force sensor 1452 ofFIG. 25.

The thickness of one PET film 1461 or 1463 is about 0.075 mm, and thethickness of the adhesive part 1462 is about 0.015 mm. Since the two PETfilms 1461 and 1463 are provided, the overall thickness of theresistive-type force sensor 1452 is about 0.165 mm. However, since thelength of the above-described offset is about 0.35 mm, the thickness ofthe force sensor 1452 is smaller than the length of the offset. In thiscase, if the resistive-type force sensor 1452 is inserted into theinterval provided as the offset, when pressure is applied to theresistive-type force sensor 1452, normal force does not occur as areaction against pressure. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of thesilver ink pattern is not changed and, thus, change in resistance maynot be measured. The resistive-type force sensor 1452 may furtherinclude the cushion member 147 filling the interval provided as theoffset and thus generating normal force, and an adhesive tape to adherethe cushion member 147 to the force sensor 1452.

Since the thickness of the adhesive tape is about 0.025 mm, if thecushion member 147 has a thickness of about 0.16 mm, the total thicknessof the force sensor 1452 including the cushion member 147 is about 0.35mm. Therefore, the force sensor 1452 including the cushion member 147may be inserted into such an interval provided as the offset.

Here, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 27, the cushion member 147 may bedisposed under the force sensor 1452. In this case, the adhesive tapemay be provided on the lower surface of the force sensor 1452 and thusadhere the cushion member 147 to the force sensor 1452. However, thedisclosure is not limited thereto and the cushion member 147 may bedisposed on the force sensor 1452. In this case, the adhesive tape maybe provided on the upper surface of the force sensor 1452 and thusadhere the cushion member 147 to the force sensor 1452. In order tocushion impact applied to the force sensor 1452, the cushion member 147may be formed of an elastic material, such as rubber or urethane.

FIG. 28 is a structural view of the force sensor 1452 of FIG. 25, if theforce sensor 1452 provides a multi-channel function.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 25, the resistive-type force sensor 1452provides a single channel function and may thus continuously surroundthe side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 with onechannel. However, in this case, the force sensor 1452 senses only amagnitude of pressure and, thus, even if a user applies pressure to aposition deviating from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144, the force sensor 1452 may not sense a deviatingdirection.

Therefore, the resistive-type force sensor 1452 may be operated as amulti-channel functional force sensor 1452 which surrounds the sidesurface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 with a plurality ofchannels such that one channel surrounds one of edges of the sidesurface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144. For example, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 28, if the fingerprint recognition sensor 144has a rectangular shape, the force sensor 1452 may include a firstchannel 1452 a extending in a direction of the left edge of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144, a second channel 1452 b extending ina direction of the lower edge of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144,a third channel 1452 c extending in a direction of the right edge of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 and a fourth channel 1452 d extendingin a direction of the upper edge of the fingerprint recognition sensor144. Therefore, the force sensor 1452 may surround the side surface ofthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144. The channels 1452 a, 1452 b,1452 c and 1452 d may be spaced apart from the neighboring channels 1452a, 1452 b, 1452 c and 1452 d, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 28. That is,when the force sensor 1452 surrounds the side surface of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144, the channels 1452 a, 1452 b, 1452 c and 1452 dof the force sensor 1452 may not form a continuously closed line.

The above description with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24 may be appliednot only to the capacitive-type force sensor 1451 but also to theresistive-type force sensor 1452.

Specifically, the resistive-type force sensor 1452 providing such amulti-channel function may measure not only a magnitude of appliedpressure but also a direction of the applied pressure. For example, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 21, the user may press a position deviatingleftward from the regular position of the fingerprint recognition sensor144 with the finger 2. In this case, a magnitude of pressure applied tothe first channel 1452 a is greater than a magnitude of pressure appliedto the second, third and fourth channels 1452 b, 1452 c and 1452 d.Further, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 may not smoothlyrecognize a fingerprint.

If the force sensor 1452 senses that the magnitude of pressure appliedto the first channel 1452 a is greater than the magnitude of pressureapplied to the second, third and fourth channels 1452 b, 1452 c and 1452d and exceeds a predetermined error range and the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize the fingerprint, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may determine that the userfinger 2 deviates leftward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Further, the controller 180, as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 22, may display the indicator 130 instructing the user toplace the finger 2 to the right through the display unit 151.

For example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 23, the user may press aposition deviating downward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 with the finger 2. In this case, a magnitude ofpressure applied to the second channel 1452 b is greater than amagnitude of pressure applied to the first, third and fourth channels1452 a, 1452 c and 1452 d. Further, the fingerprint recognition sensor144 may not smoothly recognize a fingerprint.

If the force sensor 1452 senses that the magnitude of pressure appliedto the second channel 1452 b is greater than the magnitude of pressureapplied to the first, third and fourth channels 1452 a, 1452 c and 1452d and exceeds the predetermined error range and the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize the fingerprint, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may determine that the userfinger 2 deviates downward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Further, the controller 180, as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 24, may display the indicator 130 instructing the user toplace the finger 2 to the upper side through the display unit 151.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional structural view of the display unit 151, ifthe force sensor 1453 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention is an inductive type, and FIG. 30 is a conceptual viewillustrating a coil 1519 a patterned on the thermal sheet 1519 of FIG.29.

If the force sensor 1453 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention is an inductive type, the display unit 151 includesthe coil 1519 a through which current flows, and a conductor in whicheddy current by the coil 1519 a flows, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 29.The coil 1519 a is not provided by insertion but may be formed on theexisting thermal sheet 1519 by patterning, as exemplarily shown in FIG.30. For this purpose, the thermal sheet 1519 may be formed of a metalhaving high electrical conductivity. Further, the existing rear case 102serves as the conductor. However, the disclosure is not limited theretoand the coil 1519 a or the conductor may be separately provided.However, if the coil 1519 a or the conductor may be separately provided,the coil 1519 a or the conductor does not have a sufficient thickness tofill the entirety of the interval provided as the offset. The reason forthis is that a distance between the coil 1519 a and the conductor ischanged according to a magnitude of pressure, which will be describedlater.

FIG. 31 is a conceptual view illustrating operation of the force sensor1453 of FIG. 29.

According to Ampere's right handed screw rule, when current flows in awire, a magnetic field is generated around the wire in the direction ofa right handed screw. The coil 1519 a shown in FIG. 30 is a shape formedby bending such a wire, and a magnetic field is generated around andinside the coil 1519 a.

As exemplarily shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, the rear case 102 serving asthe conductor is disposed below the coil 1519 a in which current flows.When a user applies pressure with a finger 2, a distance between thecoil 1519 a and the rear case 102 is decreased. Then, a magnitude of themagnetic field generated around the coil 1519 a in the rear case 102 isincreased. When the magnitude of the magnetic field is changed, aninduced current is generated in a direction of disturbing change in themagnetic field according to Lenz's law. The magnetic field generatedaround and inside of the coil 1519 a flows in a direction approximatelyperpendicular to the upper surface of the rear case 102. Therefore, theinduced current becomes eddy current swirling within the rear case 102.That is, a magnitude of pressure may be measured through an intensity ofeddy current changed as the coil 1519 a becomes close to the conductorwhen pressure is applied.

FIG. 32 is a conceptual view of the force sensor 1453 of FIG. 29, if theforce sensor 1453 provides a multi-channel function.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 20, the coil 1519 a provides a singlechannel function and may thus continuously surround the side surface ofthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144 with one channel. However, inthis case, the force sensor 1453 senses only a magnitude of pressureand, thus, even if a user applies pressure to a position deviating fromthe regular position of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144, theforce sensor 1453 may not sense a deviating direction.

Therefore, the inductive-type force sensor 1453 may be implemented as amulti-channel functional force sensor 1453 which surrounds the sidesurface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 with a plurality ofchannels such that one channel surrounds one of edges of the sidesurface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144. For example, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 32, if the fingerprint recognition sensor 144has a rectangular shape, the force sensor 1453 may include a firstchannel 1453 a extending in a direction of the left edge of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144, a second channel 1453 b extending ina direction of the lower edge of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144,a third channel 1453 c extending in a direction of the right edge of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 and a fourth channel 1453 d extendingin a direction of the upper edge of the fingerprint recognition sensor144. Therefore, the force sensor 1455 may surround the side surface ofthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144. The channels 1453 a, 1453 b,1453 c and 1453 d may be spaced apart from the neighboring channels 1453a, 1453 b, 1453 c and 1453 d, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 32. That is,when the force sensor 1453 surrounds the side surface of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144, the channels 1453 a, 1453 b, 1453 c and 1453 dof the force sensor 1453 may not form a continuously closed line.

The above description with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24 may be appliednot only to the capacitive-type force sensor 1451 but also to theinductive-type force sensor 1453.

Specifically, the inductive-type force sensor 1453 providing such amulti-channel function may measure not only a magnitude of appliedpressure but also a direction of the applied pressure. For example, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 21, the user may press a position deviatingleftward from the regular position of the fingerprint recognition sensor144 with the finger 2. In this case, a magnitude of pressure applied tothe first channel 1453 a is greater than a magnitude of pressure appliedto the second, third and fourth channels 1453 b, 1453 c and 1453 d.Further, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 may not smoothlyrecognize a fingerprint.

If the force sensor 1453 senses that the magnitude of pressure appliedto the first channel 1453 a is greater than the magnitude of pressureapplied to the second, third and fourth channels 1453 b, 1453 c and 1453d and exceeds a predetermined error range and the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize the fingerprint, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may determine that the userfinger 2 deviates leftward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Further, the controller 180, as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 22, may display the indicator 130 instructing the user toplace the finger 2 to the right through the display unit 151.

For example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 23, the user may press aposition deviating downward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 with the finger 2. In this case, a magnitude ofpressure applied to the second channel 1453 b is greater than amagnitude of pressure applied to the first, third and fourth channels1453 a, 1453 c and 1453 d. Further, the fingerprint recognition sensor144 may not smoothly recognize a fingerprint.

If the force sensor 1453 senses that the magnitude of pressure appliedto the second channel 1453 b is greater than the magnitude of pressureapplied to the first, third and fourth channels 1453 a, 1453 c and 1453d and exceeds the predetermined error range and the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize the fingerprint, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may determine that the userfinger 2 deviates downward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Further, the controller 180, as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 24, may display the indicator 130 instructing the user toplace the finger 2 to the upper side through the display unit 151.

So far, the display unit 151 including the force sensor 145 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed. The force sensor 145 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention is disposed so as to surround the side surface of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144. Further, the force sensor 145 isinserted into the interval provided as an offset between the displayunit 151 and the rear case 102. Therefore, the thickness of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 is not increased and, thus, formationof a stepped portion caused by protruding of the fingerprint recognitionsensor 14 from of the rear case 102 may be prevented. However, if theforce sensor 145 has a large thickness to some degree, the force sensor145 may be disposed so as to surround the side surface of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144. If the force sensor 145 has a verysmall thickness, it is unnecessary to dispose the force sensor 145 so asto surround the side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144.Hereinafter, a case that the force sensor 145 has a very small thicknesswill be described.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional structural view of a display unit includinga force sensor 1454 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention, and FIG. 34 is a front view of the force sensor 1454 of FIG.33, if the force sensor 1454 is a strain gauge type.

The force sensor 1454 in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention is a strain gauge type and thus has a very smallthickness. Therefore, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 33, strain gauges 148are directly attached to the lower surface of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. In this case, the fingerprint recognition sensor144 does not protrude from the rear case 102 and, thus, the thickness ofthe mobile terminal 100 is not increased.

Specifically, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, upper and lower surfaces of the light receiver 1441, the FPCB1442 and the stiffener 1443 of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144have similar shapes and areas. However, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, a stiffener 1443 of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 has a designated width and is formed along edgesof an FPCB 1442, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 34. That is, the stiffener1443 has a ring shape provided with a hole formed through the centerthereof. The width of the stiffener 1443 may be uniform or be variedaccording to edges of the FPCB 1442. Further, the stiffener 1443 may beformed through various methods, i.e., no stiffener 1443 may be formedaround some edges of the FPCB 1442 or the stiffener 1443 may be formedonly around both opposite edges of the FPCB 1442.

The stiffener 1443 is not formed in some regions of the lower surface ofthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144 and, thus, some regions of thelower surface of the FPCB 1442 may be exposed to the outside. Therefore,as exemplarily shown in FIG. 34, a plurality of strain gauges 148 isprovided on the exposed surface of the FPCB 1442. The strain gauges 148may be combined with the surface of the FPCB 1552 through a printingmethod. The strain gauges 148 combined with the surface of the FPCB 1552through the printing method have a very small thickness of about 0.03 mmand thus do not protrude outward from the stiffener 1443 and do notincrease the overall thickness of the fingerprint recognition sensor144. The strain gauges 148 formed through the printing method mayinclude a piezoresistive ink.

With reference to FIG. 33, the strain gauges 148 may be provided on thelower surface of the FPCB 1442 and the fingerprint recognition sensor144 may be combined with the upper surface of the FPCB 1442. Thefingerprint recognition sensor 144 may be combined with the FPCB 1442through surface mount technology (SMT).

If the strain gauges 148 are located at positions vertically below thefingerprint recognition sensor 144, force transmitted to the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 is directly transmitted to the strain gauges 148and thus the strain gauges 148 easily sense presence of minute force orchange in such force.

FIG. 35 is a conceptual view of the force sensor 1454 of FIG. 33, towhich pressure is not applied, and FIG. 36 is a conceptual view of theforce sensor 1454 of FIG. 33, after pressure is applied thereto.

When pressure is applied to the force sensor 1454, the length of thestrain gauge 148 is changed and a magnitude of pressure is measuredthrough change in a magnitude of inner resistance thereby. In accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention, the strain gauges 148are attached to the lower surface of the FPCB 1442 having flexibility,as exemplarily shown in FIG. 35. When pressure is applied to the forcesensor 1454 in the downward direction from the top, the FPCB 1442 isbent downward, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 36. Here, the strain gauge148 is also bent downward and the length of the strain gauge 148 isincreased. Since a magnitude of resistance is directly proportional to alength, resistance of the strain gauge 148 is increased and a magnitudeof pressure is measured through increase in resistance.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional structural view illustrating a display unit151 including a force sensor 1455 using strain gauges 148 in accordancewith another embodiment.

FIGS. 38(a) and 38(b) are front and rear views of the force sensor 1455of FIG. 37. For convenience of description, FIGS. 37, 38(a) and 38(b)are simultaneously referred to.

The force sensor 1455 in this embodiment is the same as the force sensor1454 in accordance with the earlier embodiment described with referenceto FIGS. 33 and 34 in that the strain gauges 148 are located verticallybelow the fingerprint recognition sensor 144, and differs from the forcesensor 1454 in that the single module-type force sensor 1455 is combinedwith the lower surface of the FPCB 1442 and no stiffener 1443 isprovided.

FIG. 38(a) is a front view of the force sensor 1455 and FIG. 38(b) is arear view of the force sensor 1455. The force sensor 1455 may includeanother FPCB 1444 provided separately from the FPCB 1442, and conductivepatterns 1445 and the strain gauges 148 may be provided on both surfacesof the FPCB 1444. Advantages of the strain gauges 148 provided on bothsurfaces of the FPCB 1444 will be described later through theembodiment, which will be described below.

The conductive patterns 1445 provided on both surfaces of the FPCB 144may be different. The reason for this is to minimize areas in which theconductive patterns 1445 provided on the respective surfaces of the FPCB144 overlap each other and thus to minimize interference. FIG. 39 is afront view of a force sensor 1456 providing a 4-channel function inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, if the forcesensor 1456 is a strain gauge type.

The force sensor 1454 in the embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 33 and 34 is formed by attaching a plurality of strain gauges 148to one surface of the FPCB 1442 of the fingerprint recognition sensor144. In this case, the force sensor 1454 may estimate a position and amagnitude of pressure based on relative contraction or expansion degreesof the strain gauges 148 provided on one surface of the FPCB 1442.However, since a contraction or expansion degree difference may not begreat, change in a resistance value is small and thus sensitivity may belowered.

However, if a plurality of strain gauges 148 is provided on bothsurfaces of the FPCB 1442 (or the FPCB 1444 of FIGS. 37, 38(a) and38(b)), when the strain gauges 148 on one surface of the FPCB 1444 arecontracted, the strain gauges 148 on the other surface of the FPCB 144are expanded and change in a resistance value is relatively increased.Consequently, sensitivity in measurement of a position and a magnitudeof pressure is increased.

Therefore, in order to provide a multi-channel function, the straingauge-type force sensor 1456 may be implemented as the force sensorshown in FIG. 16 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. That is, in order to surround the fingerprint recognitionsensor 144 while having a designated width, the force sensor 1456 isprovided with a hole formed through the center thereof and having a sizeor a shape corresponding to those of the fingerprint recognition sensor144. Further, the force sensor 1456 is inserted into the intervalprovided as the offset while surrounding the side surface of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144. Here, the strain gauge-type forcesensor 1456 is formed by attaching the strain gauges 148 to a PET film149 having flexibility so as to surround the side surface of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144.

The force sensor 1456 may be implemented as a multi-channel functionalforce sensor 1456 which surrounds the side surface of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 with a plurality of channels such that onechannel surrounds one of edges of the side surface of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. For example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 39, ifthe fingerprint recognition sensor 144 has a rectangular shape, theforce sensor 1456 may include a first channel 1456 a extending in adirection of the left edge of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144, asecond channel 1456 b extending in a direction of the lower edge of thefingerprint recognition sensor 144, a third channel 1456 c extending ina direction of the right edge of the fingerprint recognition sensor 144and a fourth channel 1456 d extending in a direction of the upper edgeof the fingerprint recognition sensor 144. Therefore, the force sensor1452 may surround the side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensor144.

FIG. 40 is a conceptual view of the force sensor 1456 of FIG. 39, towhich pressure is not applied, and FIG. 41 is a conceptual view of theforce sensor 1456 of FIG. 39, after pressure is applied thereto.

In the strain gauge-type force sensor 1456 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, one channel may include a pluralityof strain gauges 148. For example, as exemplarily shown in FIGS. 39 and40, in one channel, two strain gauges 148 may be attached to the uppersurface of the PET film 149 and two strain gauges 148 may be attached tothe lower surface of the PET film 149 and, thus, one channel may includea total of four strain gauges 148. Here, as exemplarily shown in FIG.40, the strain gauges 148 attached to the upper and lower surfaces ofthe PET film 149 may be attached to corresponding positions of the upperand lower surfaces of the PET film 149. The reason for this is that amagnitude of pressure may be more exactly measured by syntheticallyanalyzing changes in lengths of the strain gauges 148 attached to theupper and lower surfaces of the PET film 149.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 41, when pressure is applied to the forcesensor 1456 in the downward direction from the top, the PET film 149 isbent downward. Here, the strain gauges 148 are also bent downward and,thus, the length of the strain gauges 148 attached to the upper surfaceof the PET film 149 is decreased and the length of the strain gauges 148attached to the lower surface of the PET film 149 is increased. Since amagnitude of resistance is directly proportional to a length, resistanceof the strain gauges 148 attached to the upper surface of the PET film149 is decreased and resistance of the strain gauges 148 attached to thelower surface of the PET film 149 is increased.

FIG. 42 is a circuit diagram in which 4 strain gauges 148 included inone channel of FIG. 39 are connected by a Wheatstone bridge.

Here, four strain gauges 148 forming one channel are connected so as toform a Wheatstone bridge. The Wheatstone bridge is a bridge circuit inwhich four resistors are connected to form a rectangular shape and thevalue of an unknown resistance may be measured through a potentialdifference. In this case, when pressure is applied to the force sensor1456 from the top, resistances of first and fourth resistors R1 and R4included in the two upper strain gauges 148 are decreased andresistances of second and third resistors R2 and R3 included in the twolower strain gauges 148 are increased. If the resistors included in twostrain gauges 148 in the same direction are connected so as to beadjacent to each other, a potential difference does not occur even ifpressure is applied. Therefore, the resistors included in two straingauges 148 in the same direction must be connected so as to be oppositeeach other. That is, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 40, the first andfourth resistors R1 and R4 must be connected so as to be opposite eachother, and the second and third resistances R2 and R3 must be connectedso as to be opposite each other. Then, although the same input voltageVCC is applied, there is a potential difference VPOS-VNEG between outputvoltage VPOS between the first and second resistors R1 and R2 and outputvoltage VNEG between the third and fourth resistors R3 and R4.Therefore, changes in respective resistances may be measured and amagnitude of pressure may be measured therethrough.

FIG. 43 is a front view of the force sensor 1456 providing an 8-channelfunction in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, ifthe force sensor 1456 is a strain gauge type, and FIG. 44 is aconceptual view of the force sensor 1456 of FIG. 43, to which pressureis not applied.

In the strain gauge-type force sensor 1456 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, one channel may include a pluralityof strain gauges 148. For example, as exemplarily shown in FIGS. 43 and44, in one channel, four strain gauges 148 may be attached to the uppersurface of the PET film 149 and four strain gauges 148 may be attachedto the lower surface of the PET film 149 and, thus, one channel mayinclude a total of eight strain gauges 148. Here, as exemplarily shownin FIG. 44, the strain gauges 148 attached to the upper and lowersurfaces of the PET film 149 may be attached to corresponding positionsof the upper and lower surfaces of the PET film 149.

In the force sensor 1456 providing an 8-channel function, eight straingauges 148 are attached to one channel and thus connected so as to formtwo Wheatstone bridges. Therefore, magnitudes of pressure applied to therespective channels may be exactly measured and, thus, an applicationdirection of pressure may be more exactly measured. Hereinafter, partsof the construction and operation of this embodiment which aresubstantially the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 39 to42 will thus be omitted because it is considered to be unnecessary.

The above description with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24 may be appliednot only to the capacitive-type force sensor 1451 but also to the straingauge-type force sensor 1456.

Specifically, the strain gauge-type force sensor 1456 providing amulti-channel function may measure not only a magnitude of appliedpressure but also a direction of the applied pressure. For example, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 21, the user may press a position deviatingleftward from the regular position of the fingerprint recognition sensor144 with the finger 2. In this case, a magnitude of pressure applied tothe first channel 1456 a is greater than a magnitude of pressure appliedto the second, third and fourth channels 1456 b, 1456 c and 1456 d.Further, the fingerprint recognition sensor 144 may not smoothlyrecognize a fingerprint.

If the force sensor 1456 senses that the magnitude of pressure appliedto the first channel 1456 a is greater than the magnitude of pressureapplied to the second, third and fourth channels 1456 b, 1456 c and 1456d and exceeds a predetermined error range and the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize the fingerprint, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may determine that the userfinger 2 deviates leftward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Further, the controller 180, as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 22, may display the indicator 130 instructing the user toplace the finger 2 to the right through the display unit 151.

For example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 23, the user may press aposition deviating downward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 with the finger 2. In this case, a magnitude ofpressure applied to the second channel 1456 b is greater than amagnitude of pressure applied to the first, third and fourth channels1456 a, 1456 c and 1456 d. Further, the fingerprint recognition sensor144 may not smoothly recognize a fingerprint.

If the force sensor 1456 senses that the magnitude of pressure appliedto the second channel 1456 b is greater than the magnitude of pressureapplied to the first, third and fourth channels 1456 a, 1456 c and 1456d and exceeds the predetermined error range and the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144 may not smoothly recognize the fingerprint, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may determine that the userfinger 2 deviates downward from the regular position of the fingerprintrecognition sensor 144. Further, the controller 180, as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 24, may display the indicator 130 instructing the user toplace the finger 2 to the upper side through the display unit 151.

As is apparent from the above description, a mobile terminal inaccordance with one embodiment the present invention has at least one ofeffects, as follows.

A force sensor and a fingerprint recognition sensor are implemented asan under display type and, thus, an area of a display unit may beincreased and the mobile terminal may recognize a user fingerprint whentouch input is applied to the display unit.

Further, the force sensor and the fingerprint recognition sensor aredisposed at positions close to each other without increase in thethickness of the mobile terminal and, thus, when a user applies touchinput of a designated pressure or above by contacting a specificposition with a finger, the mobile terminal may provide haptic feedbackto the user simultaneously with recognition of a fingerprint.

Moreover, the force sensor may sense directivity and, thus, if a usercontacts a position deviating from the regular position of thefingerprint recognition sensor with a finger, the mobile terminal maydisplay an indicator instructing the user to move the finger to theregular position.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal comprising: a display unitconfigured to display an image and comprising an OLED pixel moduleemitting light and a light non-transmitting layer formed therebelow; afingerprint recognition sensor configured to recognize a fingerprint byreceiving, when the light emitted from the OLED pixel module isreflected from a finger, the reflected light, the fingerprintrecognition sensor including an upper surface facing the display unit, alower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a side surfaceextending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the sidesurface being oriented not parallel to the display unit; a sensorinsertion space formed by perforating a part of the lightnon-transmitting layer, the fingerprint recognition sensor beinginserted into the sensor insertion space; and a force sensor disposed toface and surround the side surface of the fingerprint recognition sensorin a first plane, wherein the force sensor is configured to measurepressure applied to the force sensor in a second plane perpendicular tothe first plane, wherein the force sensor comprises: a flexible printedcircuit board having a shape transformable by the applied pressure; andstrain gauges attached to each of upper and lower surfaces of theflexible printed circuit board, and wherein the force sensor isconfigured to measure the applied pressure through change in resistanceof the strain gauges.
 2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1,wherein the fingerprint recognition sensor is configured to opticallycommunicate with the OLED pixel module to receive the reflected lightvia the OLED pixel.
 3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, whereinthe sensor insertion space is configured to optically communicate withthe OLED pixel module.
 4. The mobile terminal according to claim 1,wherein the fingerprint recognition sensor contacts a light transmittinglayer of the display unit, the light transmitting layer including theOLED pixel module.
 5. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, whereinthe force sensor and the fingerprint recognition sensor are placed in acommon plane.
 6. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein theforce sensor comprises a cushion member to absorb impact.
 7. The mobileterminal according to claim 6, wherein the cushion member is disposed onone of upper and lower surfaces of the force sensor.
 8. The mobileterminal according to claim 1, wherein the strain gauges are attached tocorresponding positions of the upper and lower surfaces of the flexibleprinted circuit board.
 9. The mobile terminal according to claim 1,further comprising a haptic module configured to generate haptic effectwhen the pressure is applied to the force sensor.
 10. The mobileterminal according to claim 1, further comprising a haptic moduleconfigured to generate haptic effect when the fingerprint recognitionsensor receives the fingerprint.
 11. The mobile terminal according toclaim 1, wherein the fingerprint recognition sensor is activated toreceive the reflected light when the pressure is applied to the forcesensor.
 12. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein astiffener is attached to a lower surface of the fingerprint recognitionsensor, which is exposed outside the display unit.
 13. The mobileterminal according to claim 12, wherein the stiffener has apredetermined width and is formed along the edges of the fingerprintrecognition sensor.
 14. The mobile terminal according to claim 13,wherein the stiffener has a ring shape provided with a hole formedthrough a center thereof.
 15. The mobile terminal according to claim 1,wherein the force sensor is disposed to surround an entire perimeter ofthe fingerprint recognition sensor, and is configured to measurepressure applied to respective edges of the fingerprint recognitionsensor.
 16. The mobile terminal according to claim 15, wherein thedisplay unit is configured to, if a difference between the pressureapplied to the respective edges of the force sensor exceeds apredetermined error range, display an indicator representing correctionof an application direction of the pressure.
 17. The mobile terminalaccording to claim 1, wherein the light non-transmitting layer comprisesat least one of rubber, urethane, copper or graphite.
 18. The mobileterminal according to claim 1, wherein the fingerprint recognitionsensor is disposed below the OLED pixel module.
 19. A mobile terminalcomprising: a display unit configured to display an image and comprisingan OLED pixel module emitting light and a light non-transmitting layerformed therebelow; a fingerprint recognition sensor configured torecognize a fingerprint by receiving, when the light emitted from theOLED pixel module is reflected from a finger, the reflected light, thefingerprint recognition sensor including an upper surface facing thedisplay unit, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a sidesurface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, theside surface being oriented not parallel to the display unit; a sensorinsertion space formed by perforating a part of the lightnon-transmitting layer, the fingerprint recognition sensor beinginserted into the sensor insertion space; and a force sensor comprisinga channel facing and surrounding the side surface of the fingerprintrecognition sensor in a first plane, wherein the force sensor isconfigured to measure pressure applied to the force sensor in a secondplane perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the force sensorcomprises: a flexible printed circuit board having a shape transformableby the applied pressure; and strain gauges attached to each of upper andlower surfaces of the flexible printed circuit board, and wherein theforce sensor is configured to measure the applied pressure throughchange in resistance of the strain gauges.
 20. The mobile terminalaccording to claim 19, wherein the force sensor encloses the fingerprintrecognition sensor by surrounding an entire perimeter of the fingerprintrecognition sensor.
 21. The mobile terminal according to claim 19,wherein the light non-transmitting layer comprises at least one ofrubber, urethane, copper or graphite.
 22. The mobile terminal accordingto claim 19, wherein the fingerprint recognition sensor is disposedbelow the OLED pixel module.